Avycaz

Avycaz is the brand name for the fixed-dose combination antibiotic ceftazidime/avibactam. Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin and avibactam is a non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor that protects ceftazidime from degradation by certain beta-lactamases. The combination broadens activity against many multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae producing ESBLs and certain carbapenemases such as KPC, by inhibiting enzymes that inactivate cephalosporins.

Avycaz is approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections and complicated urinary tract infections, and has also been approved for hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia, including ventilator-associated pneumonia. It is administered intravenously, typically as an infusion of 2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime with 0.5 g avibactam) every 8 hours, with dose adjustments for renal impairment.

The drug has limited activity against Gram-positive organisms and anaerobes and does not cover MRSA or Enterococcus species. Its activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa varies and may be limited for some resistant strains. Avibactam does not inhibit metallo-β-lactamases, so organisms producing NDM, VIM, or IMP enzymes may remain resistant.

Common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and infusion-site reactions; hypersensitivity and Clostridioides difficile infection are possible. As with other antibiotics, usage should follow stewardship principles to minimize resistance emergence.